Know What's Happening in Spirituality
Know What's Happening in Spirituality
Buddhist monastic shares path to present‑moment joy
In a newly translated dialogue, journalist Irmgard Kirchner talks with Santacitta Bhikkhuni, a former avant‑garde dancer now a Theravada monastic. Santacitta describes Buddhism as a healing path that dissolves delusion and attachment, using the four vipallasa to show how misperceptions create stress. She says true joy arises from present‑moment awareness.
The essay interrogates whether genuine duties to oneself exist, contrasting Kantian claims of rational autonomy with sceptical views that self‑obligations merely serve personal happiness. It introduces African philosophical concepts—harmony (ubuntu) and vitality—as alternative foundations that treat self‑respect as a form of internal friendliness and life‑force. By mapping a diverse list of self‑duties onto these values, the author argues that moral obligations to oneself extend beyond pleasure, encompassing health, agency, and communal coherence. The piece calls for an intercultural dialogue that blends Western and Global South ethics to enrich contemporary moral theory.
If you watch the movie Jaws backwards, it becomes a heart-warming story about a shark generously returning limbs to people with disabilities. A reminder that much of how we experience life depends on the perspective we choose. How do you choose to...
Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh’s "How to Fight" teaches that anger stems from entrenched neural pathways that can be reshaped through mindfulness. By pausing, breathing, and observing the emotion, individuals create new pathways toward compassion and forgiveness. The practice emphasizes...
I pray I always believe the entity that created everything on this earth is my Dad and I’ll get to see Him one day
Barry Lopez on the cure for our existential loneliness and the 3 tenets of a full life https://t.co/xiziNeKuc5
The post revisits solipsism, the philosophical claim that only one’s own mind can be known to exist, tracing its roots to Descartes’ famous “Cogito, ergo sum.” It argues that this ancient doubt resurfaces in today’s AI discourse, where the line...
How to feel whole in a broken world – an astronaut's antidote to despair https://t.co/ag0U9xOxOx
Donald J. Robertson distills Socrates’ ancient philosophy into five actionable ideas for modern professionals. He highlights the power of relentless questioning, the necessity of admitting ignorance, and the centrality of self‑knowledge in decision‑making. The piece also frames dialogue as a...
I find this insightful and have been thinking about the same trend for a while. People do many things in life to “become more interesting” rather than for the direct experience or benefit. Many people have lost their sense of...
At a recent InsightLA gathering, participant Pablo Das explained how mindfulness can temper rumination and hyper‑vigilance that often follow trauma. He described mindfulness as an objective, non‑reactive awareness that lets individuals pause before reacting, creating space to evaluate thoughts, speech,...
My guest today, David, is furious at his friend B because, despite his large investment of time and energy, she refuses to change. What more can he do? As he dives into this powerful Work, he uncovers the ways he...
Kate Horney’s latest post urges Christian women to replace body‑obsessed vanity with a biblical model of faithful stewardship. She argues that self‑worth tied to appearance creates spiritual bondage, while Scripture frames the body as a God‑given gift to serve others....
In this episode Krista Tippett sits with four members of the Parent Circle Bereaved Families Forum—Arab Aramin, Robi Damelin, Liora Eilon, and Mohamed Abu Jafar—who have lost loved ones to the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict and now work together for peace. Each...
Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, former Apple engineers, apply design‑thinking principles to personal purpose in their new book *How to Live a Meaningful Life*. They argue that the current meaning crisis—exacerbated by the pandemic, AI‑driven job fears, and economic slowdown—can...
Michael Pollan’s latest book tackles the age‑old puzzle of consciousness, arguing that psychedelic experiences offer a practical window into the mind’s workings. The journalist, famed for his food‑focused writing, pivots to explore how substances like psilocybin, caffeine and opium reshape...
Christopher Beha, former atheist and Harper's editor, recounts in *Why I Am Not an Atheist* how falling in love with his future wife sparked a return to Catholicism. He argues that secular philosophies—from scientific reductionism to Nietzschean romanticism—cannot account for...
Eleanor Gordon‑Smith reflects on how her recent depression amplified her creative output, delivering vivid poetry, painting, and a darker artistic lens. She now feels better but fears losing the intensity and clarity that the depressive state provided. The essay argues...
George Cassidy Payne argues that struggle rooted in ill will—an aggressive desire for specific outcomes—creates suffering, while true peace arises from non‑striving and acting without attachment. Drawing on Buddha, Jesus, the Bhagavad Gita, and Lao zi, he shows that the ego’s endless...
David Pereira turns 38 and reflects on a lifelong journey from a modest factory‑worker family to a global product‑leadership coach. He credits early exposure to curious minds, relentless self‑directed problem solving, and a habit of taking responsibility without waiting for...
In this episode Tara Brock explores the second domain of spiritual practice: inquiry. She explains how asking pointed questions—like "What stops me from opening my heart?"—illuminates hidden beliefs and fears, allowing us to de‑condition the automatic, fear‑driven lenses through which...
The author introduces "soul minimalism," a practice of clearing mental clutter to let the inner self speak. By highlighting how invisible influences—unaddressed trauma and negative self‑talk—occupy mental space, the piece argues that intentional spiritual formation can restore wisdom, courage, and...
The author shares a decade‑long journey from casual tarot curiosity to mastering the full 78‑card deck, positioning tarot as a personal development tool. The post outlines essential meanings, interpretation techniques, and practical tips for beginners seeking structured practice. It emphasizes...
The article explains the inner‑child metaphor as a psychodynamic tool for uncovering early emotional imprints that drive adult reactions such as anger, fear of abandonment, and self‑criticism. It outlines three phases—recognition, in‑the‑moment management, and long‑term healing—using concrete techniques like naming...
Best of Both Worlds podcast released its first philosopher interview, featuring Rebecca Newberger Goldstein. Goldstein discusses her research on the “mattering instinct,” explaining why humans instinctively seek significance in personal and professional realms. She references her book, *The Mattering Instinct*,...
There is so much noise in the world, we don't realize how much our mind craves some quiet until we actually sit down to meditate. Meditation is the gift we give our mind. It's a break from the noise. The...
George Saunders's disarmingly wonderful meditation on the courage of uncertainty, which is the courage to love the world: https://t.co/MmkRMjpy6q
Aristotle’s notion of eudaimonia reframes the good life as human flourishing achieved through virtuous action, not fleeting pleasure. He contrasts this with hedonism, arguing that true happiness stems from fulfilling one’s potential rather than chasing comfort. The philosopher’s Doctrine of...
It's amazing what happens to my mind when I read about the universe. I love how it makes all of my problems seem trivial and elevates my aspirations to unimaginable things.
I look forward to talking in person on “What matters to me and why” at noon on March 31 at the campus of UC Irvine, Humanities Gateway 1030. There will be time for questions and answers. I will discuss science...
The essay asks whether an artist remains an artist when unseen, weaving personal experience with meditation practice. It argues that true artistic worth stems from internal recognition rather than clicks, likes, or external validation. The author describes how the tension...
Leave with this --> Enjoyment without gratitude is a coin spent twice—once in the taking, and again in the emptiness that follows.
How to reconnect with your inner child: https://t.co/S39Ilwztfu The experiences you had as a child influence your emotional life as an adult. Recognising these dynamics can be healing. New Psyche Guide by psychotherapist Nickan Arzpeyma
The blog post examines Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch, tracing its first appearance in *Human, All Too Human* and its fuller development in *Thus Spoke Zarathustra*. It highlights five disparate figures Nietzsche cites—ranging from warlords to messianic leaders—to illustrate the...
In this little life of ours, for the few days God has allowed us to live, pray about anything and everything. Tell it all to God, you are safer that way. We will all leave this earth someday, but when you...
"Practice kindness all day to everybody and you will realize you're already in heaven now." On Jack Kerouac's birthday, his beautiful letter to his first wife turned lifelong friend about kindness and the illusion of the self https://t.co/ZprJn5qWi8
Self‑awareness, often mischaracterized as self‑consciousness, is presented as a powerful personal asset. The article explains that understanding one’s values, triggers, and emotional patterns enables better decision‑making, stronger relationships, and greater emotional resilience. It outlines practical steps such as daily check‑ins,...
Devotion is when your involvement with life is so absolute that you yourself do not matter anymore. #SadhguruQuotes https://t.co/zDrh9LohRe
“I always thought of myself as an incredibly disciplined person. I finally came to the conclusion I’m really not very disciplined. I am somewhat, but if you just can’t stop yourself, that’s not discipline. It’s compulsion.” — Jim Collins Listen to my...
Paul Kingsnorth’s essay reflects on the Christian tradition of silence, tracing its roots from early desert fathers to the hesychastic practices of St Gregory Palamas. He argues that true inner stillness—essential for theosis—cannot be achieved merely by fleeing external noise, because the...
Whenever upset or anxious, ask “why” at least three times and put the answers down on paper. Describing these doubts in writing reduces their impact twofold. First, it’s often the ambiguous nature of self-doubt that hurts most. Defining and exploring...
When the war began, I began a practice called Haiku Paintings, small paintings of the 4 seasons: Spring Summer Fall Winter. Haikus have a season word, reminding us tht things arise + pass from us. I want to see this...
In this episode, the host shares a personal strategy for overcoming writer's block by committing to a daily 20‑minute writing sprint, reinforced with a supportive partner and a simple gold‑star reward system. The metaphor of each writing session as a...
In The Making - A Poem to Growing Tree: perhaps even here the in-between you feel has a place: the way you remain here,�roots deep in the ground,�with branches reaching toward the sky,�is already the making of a life�where what is next begins...
See how often you judge someone or something as good or bad, right or wrong. Replace judgement with curiosity for one day. https://t.co/NuHi0WGXO6
The post reminds readers that their worth and every spiritual blessing come "by His doing," not through personal effort or achievement. It contrasts the common urge to prove oneself with the gospel’s invitation to rest in Christ’s wisdom, righteousness, sanctification,...
No matter what you did yesterday, in this moment you can be a wonderful human being if you want to. Existence has given you this Freedom. #SadhguruQuotes https://t.co/Gp3uwOi7CU
Australia & New Zealand — I’m coming back. This October, I’ll be returning for a 5-city tour to talk about Stoicism, discipline, leadership, and the lessons that have helped so many people around the world live a better life. Whether you’ve...
The article explains that equanimity, while appearing as calm concentration, can conceal subtle attachment and delusion. It warns that staying absorbed in a state of equanimity without probing can prevent genuine insight. Practitioners are urged to use equanimity as a...
How are you tending to each of your 7 layers of identity? Philosopher Amelie Rorty on what makes a person, in literature and life: https://t.co/4h169UOgbR
Ursula K. Le Guin on change, menopause as rebirth, and the civilizational value of elders https://t.co/F7JRCwG833
